What are the different mops for different applications?
Alessandro: The importance of research about the new & efficient solutions for different floor and surface cleaning is being understood. The best approach is to consider different important variables like the kind of operation, the surface to clean and the level of dirt.
Nowadays the operator can clean floors as well as vertical surfaces using only a reversible frame combined with specific microfibres depending on the different applications. Looped microfibre is suggested for porous and absorbent floors, as well as high traffic areas, while microfiber with short loop is ideal for smooth floors and maintenance cleaning.
Another innovative solution is the microfibre flat mop with polypropylene inserts; this combination is ideal for removing stains and stubborn dirt using a very low friction.
CRG Prasad: In GBC (general building cleaning), internationally, there is polyester micro fibre. There is also cellular based micro fibre. These are the two ranges. But in India, cotton mops are ruling the roost. There is a dust mop which is blended with polytherathane threads. But for GBC, if price is not a factor, one should go for micro fibre as it covers the cost parameter with the help of longevity and is much more durable than the cotton mop. Cleanliness, cleaning efficacy and ease of using are improved with micro fibre mops.
In the area of healthcare, cotton mops are not at all the right option as they shed particles which spreads in the atmosphere and settles on surfaces. There are non-linting mops which do good cleaning as well as picking up dirt. In speciality building cleaning (five-star, four-star, three-star hotels) where one need sparkling and spotless cleaning for attracting the guests, micro fibre will be the best.
Sami: Cotton flat mops are used for maintenance in public facilities, schools, office buildings, etc. Microfibre flat mops are best suited for cleaning in hospitals and nursing homes. Mixed fabric flat mops can be used in hygiene sensitive areas such as hospitals and nursing homes.
Debtosh:
a. Rayon or other synthetic mixed mops can be used in low traffic areas as it is a longer life than a pure cotton mop.
b. A 100% rayon mop is useful for applying gloss finish on hard floors. The flat acrylic mop is useful for dry mopping to ensure dust free flooring.
c. Microfibre mop is useful for cleaning finished flooring to reduce water as well as chemicals.
[box type=”shadow” ]There is a lot of work to be done in propogating and training in order to convince cleaning staff and their supervisors to use the new system.
– Sami Memili[/box]
What are the challenges in creating awareness in new markets?
Alessandro: High standards of hygiene undoubtedly improve the quality of life but it not enough these days. The next challenge is the effective protection of the surrounding environment and today, more than ever, we need a real general commitment on this matter.
Italy has turned public administration into an active player of environment protection by introducing new sustainable habits like purchasing only microfibre for cleaning and sanitization activities.
CRG Prasad: First and foremost, people talk about ‘price’ when the actual challenge is the end user. He must spread awareness amongst his colleagues. He runs his business to make money and is not bothered about housekeeping. For them, they think it’s an easy job. The jhadu-pocha that you do in a flat is completely different than that in the office. The owner does not want to understand because his business is primarily something else and cleaning is just one of the elements.
To put it into perspective, in a five-star hotel, cleaning is the first priority as it attracts business but in a quick service restaurant it comes last.
To bring the transformational shift in the owners, requires making them aware that cleaning is an integral part for the benefits of employees as well as visitors. Including cleaning as part of the business agenda would be good for the success of the business.
[box type=”shadow” ]Lack of awareness in hygiene and education is the current scenario in the market.
– Debtosh Chatterjee[/box]
Sami: It is quite hard to convince people of new products and to change the way they work, when they are satisfied with the existing system or do not care about improved hygiene. There is a lot of work to be done in propogating and training in order to convince cleaning staff and their supervisors to use the new system.
Many competitors are approaching the market, including those who make money on the overaged products or processes – but someone must make the change. When vendors comes from abroad, it is important to find the right partner to raise people’s interest and awareness – advertising is important, but also direct on-site support, demonstrations and proper training of the cleaning staff.
Debtosh: No law or standard procedure has been enforced in the market. There is no respect for the people who work in this industry. All these factors should be taken care of.
Interestingly the humble mop has moved up from its cotton character to the sophistication of a microfibre. However, the users still prefer the cotton over the microfibre even if it does simplify cleaning. In fact, India today is even talking of robotics but is the country ready for it?
Alessandro: Robotics can be a good ally in some fields: the machines introduced as an alternative to traditional systems can perform a part of the usual operations properly. However, we need to consider that robotics may entail some important issues like problem of reliability, management of unforeseen events and control of final result. These factors do not make robotics ideal for the cleaning sector: in particular, professional cleaning faces more serious problems than domestic environments so we need not only need professional but also reliable solutions.
CRG Prasad: It will take off especially in the commercial enterprises and premises as well as in healthcare. But not in speciality building cleaning such as hotels. The reason being most of the hotel rooms have carpet.
Sami: For operating cleaning robots, some basic knowledge must exist. It is not enough just to turn on the robot’; also required are knowledge of dosage, material, floor covering and kind of soiling as well as its correct treatments. Further, are the buildings and areas to be cleaned designed for cleaning with robots? It is very difficult to judge if the Indian market is ready for robots. Basic knowledge of cleaning and hygiene needs to be step one – if staff isn’t doing it right today, how can robots? This basic know how includes knowledge on materials, dirt levels, choosing the right chemicals and tools as well as performing a professional cleaning process, including quality control.
[box type=”shadow” ]To bring the transformational shift in the owners, requires making them aware that cleaning is an integral part for the benefits of employees as well as visitors. Including cleaning as part of the business agenda would be good for the success of the business.
– CRG Prasad[/box]
Debtosh: Only machine cleanable areas can be covered by Robotics which is very small in proportion. For any machine, clean areas cannot be more than 20%, which are mostly floor areas. Whereas wall, glass, ceiling, toilet fittings, kitchen /pantry need manual intervention. So, possibility and scope are very low.
